Eskimo snow goggles in Danish and Greenlandic museums, their protective and optical properties

Abstract

Object: To assess the optical and protective properties of ancient Inuit snow goggles on the basis of a large number of specimens.

Methods: Measurements, drawings, photos, and calculation of visual field.

Results: Classification into eleven types of apertures, illustrated and described.

Types A-C have rectangular slits of three sizes. D has slits on separate blocks for each eye. E has a single long slit for both eyes. The other types do not have a rectangular slit: Type F has a single long figure-of-eight-shaped slit for both eyes; G has a drop-shaped slit for each eye; H has a triangular slit, I several slits, J binocular-like openings and K a round opening, in some cases covered with glass.

The visual field of the user is limited upwards and downwards, so there is a compromise between purely visual requirements and protection.

Visibility is improved and dazzle is prevented (model experiments).

The snow goggles reduced harmful light to 2-8%. These snow goggles do not mist over. Other aspects examined are material, dimensions, blackening, fixation to the head. ornamentation. repairs, unilateral slit occlusion and dating.

Geographical differences: The Greenlandic goggles are often somewhat larger than the Canadian ones, and the slit is frequently figure-of-eight-shaped or dropshaped, whereas triangular slits or a separate goggle for each eye are more common in Canada.